The U.S. Fire Administration reports that every year greater than2,900 residence fires are started by clothing dryers, and thetoptriggerof those fires is usually a buildup of lint due to lack of simpleupkeepon theaspectwith the owner. Every load of laundry that passes through your washing machine and tends to make its strategy to your clothing dryer contains lint-mostly modest particles of cloth and fiber which can be loosened from clothing by the action of agitating water.

For those whobelieve that the removable lint filter in your dryer catches all this, feelonce again. The problemis that not all of the lint is caught by the removable lint filter, however the lint that passes beyond the filter and is trapped in crevices deep inside the lint filter trap and all along the dryer vent hose or duct because itmakes its method to the outside vent opening.

Warning SignsListed below are some warning signs that hazardous lint buildup has occurred in your dryer and venting method, indicating that it needs a thorough cleaning:

Brush kits come with a long-bristle brush to clean the lint filter location, as well as a round-bristled brush that can clean out a 4-inch round rigid dryer duct-the kindyou should have for all concealed portions of your duct run. The round…Far more
03
of 08
Step 1: Get rid of the Lint Trap Filter
Cleaning dryer lint filter
Lisa J. Goodman / Getty ImagesTake away and clean the lint trap filter. This really isthe samefactoryou ought to do before or immediately afterevery dryer load to help keep as a lot lint out from the venting systemas you can, but surprisingly, severalpeople todayusually do notdo this. Cleaning the lint trap with every single load would be thevery beststrategy tostop lint buildup regularly.

Vacuum the inside with the lint trap housing, working with a long, skinny hose attachment. Stick to this initial vacuuming using a second pass applying the lengthyflexible brush from the brush kit. Extend the brush each of the way in to the bottom from the cavity. Using a gentle and slight twisting motion, pull out the brush to extract clumps of lint. Clean the brush bristles using the vacuum. Repeat as requireduntilthere is no a lot more lint that could be removed from the cavity.

Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas valve in the dryer (for gas dryers). Disconnect the duct joint closest for the dryer, then gently pull the dryer away in the wall. Disconnect the remaining exposed sections of dryer duct. If the sections are taped, eliminate and discard the tape.

06
of 08
Step four: Vacuum the Ductwork
dryer duct brush

Attach the round duct brush head towards theflexible fiberglass shaft, following the brush kit manufacturer’s directions. Insert the brush into every duct section and sweep it clean by using a rotating motion although pushing the brush back and forth. Pull out the brush and clean the head regularly.

Clean the remainder with the duct run employingprecisely the sametechniques, adding more sections with theversatile shaft as necessary to reach the finishof your rigid duct. Repeat till no additional lint comes out on the duct….Additional
07
of 08AlternativeApproach
Use a Gong Brush as a Makeshift Dryer Duct Brush

For those whodon’tpossess a dryer vent brush kit, it is possible to use a long-handled scrub brush to clean short sections of rigid duct. While the brush includes arestrictedattain, you are able to clean each duct section by going throughboth ends.